Apple has long been synonymous with robust security measures designed to safeguard its users. Many Mac users have come to believe that the built-in protections are so comprehensive that additional antivirus software is unnecessary. However, this perception shouldn’t overshadow the importance of understanding your macOS system, particularly the settings menu.
By making a few thoughtful adjustments to the default settings, users can enhance their machine’s security and privacy. These modifications are straightforward to implement and can be easily reversed if needed. Here are five essential areas to explore in order to bolster your macOS security.
Location Sharing
Consider this: you wouldn’t disclose your whereabouts to your neighbor or your boss at all times, so why should you do so with every app on your Mac? It’s crucial to manage which applications have access to your location data. While some apps, like Maps, require this information to function properly, many others do not. Granting unnecessary access could expose you to data collection by advertisers or, worse, malicious actors.
To regain control over your privacy, navigate to System Settings, select Privacy & Security from the sidebar, and then choose Location Services. Here, you can disable location services entirely or adjust settings for individual applications as needed.
Microphone and Camera Permissions
Similar to location access, many applications may request permission to use your microphone or camera without a legitimate need. It’s advisable to review the permissions granted to each app, especially those related to your microphone and camera. If any access seems questionable or makes you uncomfortable, feel free to toggle it off. You can always re-enable permissions if necessary.
To manage these settings, go to System Settings, then Privacy & Security. You will find a comprehensive list of functions and apps, including photos, calendar, contacts, and camera and microphone. By clicking on each category, you can see which apps have access and adjust permissions accordingly.
Siri
Siri is a helpful companion, always ready to assist. However, while most of your data remains on your device, some information is sent to Apple’s servers for processing, which may raise privacy concerns. If you prefer to keep your interactions private, consider disabling Siri altogether.
To do this, head to System Settings, scroll to Apple Intelligence & Siri, and toggle off Siri. This will prevent her from responding to your queries, but if you seldom use her, the trade-off may be worth it.
Automatic Wi-Fi Connections
Connecting to public Wi-Fi networks is often necessary, but these networks are typically unsecured, making your data vulnerable to interception. Allowing your Mac to automatically connect to these networks can expose sensitive information such as passwords and banking details.
To enhance your security, disable the automatic connection feature. Go to System Settings, select Wi-Fi from the sidebar, and locate your trusted network in Known Networks. Click the three dots to modify the auto-connect settings, and enable the option to ask before joining any networks. This way, you can assess the safety of a connection before proceeding.
Personalized Ads
Ad tracking can be a significant drain on your computer’s performance and battery life. It also tracks your location and browsing history to serve targeted ads, which can feel intrusive. If malware or an information stealer infiltrates your system, it could access a wealth of personal data.
To mitigate these risks, it’s advisable to turn off personalized ads. Navigate to System Preferences, then Security & Privacy. Scroll down to find Apple Advertising and uncheck the box for Personalized Ads to opt out.
